Expats earn big overseas

English nationals who have chosen to expatriate themselves and work on foreign lands are said to be making more money than their former colleagues. A recent study has reported that a whopping nine out of 10 UK expatriates claim to be making more money abroad than they earned back home.

The findings were shown in the NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Index, which also showed that Asia is the proverbial goldmine of destinations, Hong Kong in particular being the place to make money. Almost half of all expats working in Hong Kong take home more than £100,000 per year, and workers in Singapore and China can expect similarly high wages. The head of NatWest International Personal Banking, David Isley, said: “UK expats experience high salaries, with the majority earning between £50,000 and £85,000 a year. However, we have found that those living in Asia, and specifically Hong Kong, are those most likely to earn over £100,000 a year, with nearly half doing so.”

Other factors that come into play when expats move on from the UK include weather, quality of life and the experience of new cultures. With high wages also come improved options for career advancement and building upon their existing earning potential “Our report has shown that UK expats could definitely expect to see their salaries increase when working abroad, with 78 percent overall earning between £50,000 and £85,000. In our experience, expats often have a mindset for career progression, and have much needed skill sets that can be used in different countries. The result is usually an increased salary. This is obviously incredibly appealing and likely to be one of the biggest attractions for expats” said Mr Isley.